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What is something people overlook when looking for a long term career?
I specifically am interested in going into the film industry and for the most part people say the biggest thing is to know someone. I want to know any other aspect of this industry is overlooked but helpful when trying to land a long term career.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Andrew !
When pursuing a career in film, the first most important thing is to take the appropriate path for the education and training. That means that you'd have to attend Film School or a University to Major in Film that has a very strong, equipped Film Department. If you take the right path for this career, nothing is "overlooked". You'd know exactly what you'd need to do.
Your question is very generalized and I don't believe that people overlook factors for this career if they explore it well enough to know if it is for them. Your film school or university film major will give you everything you'll need to know about a film career. Where to network, skills to have for your specific niche in film, where to look for work and how to work with a lot of other film professionals. Yes, contacts are crucial in this field, as people will have to know you in order to possibly hire you or send you out for work.
Once in a while, you might get projects from people who don't know you, but lots of work can come from academic or professional contacts or even classmates. You should hang around your film department or film school a lot, not just to attend classes. You will also need to work on a lot of projects targeting work in the specialty you wish to pursue. You already have a big factor in your favor - you're already living in Los Angeles, the heart of the film industry. Most of the companies are based in L.A. or NYC and that could mean work that requires travel if a film has a few location shoots. This is a career that has certain things to prepare you but not any guarantees to obtain work. It is a matter of applying/submitting work and waiting to hear back like most careers. So the best thing is to go through the path of education because you will hear a lot about the industry and will learn how to do the career.
It's hard to overlook anything for film because there really is a lot to learn and it's something you need to do every day. If you want a head start before college, contact USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program for ages 16 and older at (213) 740-2804. Also look into SOCAPA Summer Arts Camps for Teens at Occidental College in Eagle Rock near Pasadena. Contact them at (800) 718-2787. There is also something called the Ghetto Film School Los Angeles Fellows Program for ages 14 to 18. Even though it has an odd name, they offer some very important experiences such as instruction from leading filmmakers, visits to live sets and studios, international travel, and internship placement. Look for their website through a search online. Find out more about the CSSSA Film Program as it is for grades 9 through 12. It provides master classes in film, actual making of a film and trips to Sony Pictures Studio and screenings at the American Cinematheque. Other programs are UCLA Theater Laboratory Intensives and UCLA Digital Filmmaking Summer Institute (which costs a lot). both offering film learning experiences.
This isn't a career for just thinking about, rather the more active you are the more you'll learn and feel confident living in the moment with it. Watch some old, new and foreign films with an analytical eye. This will help you discuss film in college or with other students and professionals.
There's so much more but you will discover it all through a film school or academic film major path. Try not to over think it, just take it step by step, experience by experience and you will be well approaching what it takes to become a professional in the film industry.
I hope this helps and I wish you well !
When pursuing a career in film, the first most important thing is to take the appropriate path for the education and training. That means that you'd have to attend Film School or a University to Major in Film that has a very strong, equipped Film Department. If you take the right path for this career, nothing is "overlooked". You'd know exactly what you'd need to do.
Your question is very generalized and I don't believe that people overlook factors for this career if they explore it well enough to know if it is for them. Your film school or university film major will give you everything you'll need to know about a film career. Where to network, skills to have for your specific niche in film, where to look for work and how to work with a lot of other film professionals. Yes, contacts are crucial in this field, as people will have to know you in order to possibly hire you or send you out for work.
Once in a while, you might get projects from people who don't know you, but lots of work can come from academic or professional contacts or even classmates. You should hang around your film department or film school a lot, not just to attend classes. You will also need to work on a lot of projects targeting work in the specialty you wish to pursue. You already have a big factor in your favor - you're already living in Los Angeles, the heart of the film industry. Most of the companies are based in L.A. or NYC and that could mean work that requires travel if a film has a few location shoots. This is a career that has certain things to prepare you but not any guarantees to obtain work. It is a matter of applying/submitting work and waiting to hear back like most careers. So the best thing is to go through the path of education because you will hear a lot about the industry and will learn how to do the career.
It's hard to overlook anything for film because there really is a lot to learn and it's something you need to do every day. If you want a head start before college, contact USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program for ages 16 and older at (213) 740-2804. Also look into SOCAPA Summer Arts Camps for Teens at Occidental College in Eagle Rock near Pasadena. Contact them at (800) 718-2787. There is also something called the Ghetto Film School Los Angeles Fellows Program for ages 14 to 18. Even though it has an odd name, they offer some very important experiences such as instruction from leading filmmakers, visits to live sets and studios, international travel, and internship placement. Look for their website through a search online. Find out more about the CSSSA Film Program as it is for grades 9 through 12. It provides master classes in film, actual making of a film and trips to Sony Pictures Studio and screenings at the American Cinematheque. Other programs are UCLA Theater Laboratory Intensives and UCLA Digital Filmmaking Summer Institute (which costs a lot). both offering film learning experiences.
This isn't a career for just thinking about, rather the more active you are the more you'll learn and feel confident living in the moment with it. Watch some old, new and foreign films with an analytical eye. This will help you discuss film in college or with other students and professionals.
There's so much more but you will discover it all through a film school or academic film major path. Try not to over think it, just take it step by step, experience by experience and you will be well approaching what it takes to become a professional in the film industry.
I hope this helps and I wish you well !
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Andres!!
One important thing people often overlook when choosing a long-term career is how sustainable the lifestyle is for them over time, not just how exciting or prestigious the industry sounds at the beginning.
In industries like film and entertainment, many people focus heavily on “who you know,” which does matter—but what’s often underestimated is emotional resilience, consistency, and adaptability. Long careers are built by people who can tolerate uncertainty, rejection, irregular income, and long periods of slow progress without losing motivation or their sense of self.
Another overlooked factor is developing transferable skills. The people who last tend to build skills that can move across roles—communication, project management, collaboration, problem-solving—so they’re not dependent on one single opportunity or title to survive.
Finally, people rarely think about values alignment. A career is something you live with daily for years. If the industry culture constantly conflicts with your personal values, mental health, or boundaries, success can start to feel empty or exhausting, even if things look good from the outside.
Long-term careers are less about a single breakthrough moment and more about showing up consistently, learning continuously, and building a life that can support the career—not just chasing the career itself.
One important thing people often overlook when choosing a long-term career is how sustainable the lifestyle is for them over time, not just how exciting or prestigious the industry sounds at the beginning.
In industries like film and entertainment, many people focus heavily on “who you know,” which does matter—but what’s often underestimated is emotional resilience, consistency, and adaptability. Long careers are built by people who can tolerate uncertainty, rejection, irregular income, and long periods of slow progress without losing motivation or their sense of self.
Another overlooked factor is developing transferable skills. The people who last tend to build skills that can move across roles—communication, project management, collaboration, problem-solving—so they’re not dependent on one single opportunity or title to survive.
Finally, people rarely think about values alignment. A career is something you live with daily for years. If the industry culture constantly conflicts with your personal values, mental health, or boundaries, success can start to feel empty or exhausting, even if things look good from the outside.
Long-term careers are less about a single breakthrough moment and more about showing up consistently, learning continuously, and building a life that can support the career—not just chasing the career itself.
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Answers
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Steve’s Answer
Michelle gave you a great answer. Here are some more ideas to think about:
Start creating your own movies if you haven't yet. Write your stories, gather friends and family, and start filming. Keep it short and manageable so you can gain experience. Then, try it again and again. Learn about storytelling, directing, casting, editing, and filming. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they are great teachers. Learn to handle challenges and find ways to overcome them.
Meanwhile, explore the film schools around you. Many offer programs even if you're not college age yet. Connect with others who share your interests, as working together can be a great learning experience for everyone.
Wishing you the best on your journey!
Start creating your own movies if you haven't yet. Write your stories, gather friends and family, and start filming. Keep it short and manageable so you can gain experience. Then, try it again and again. Learn about storytelling, directing, casting, editing, and filming. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they are great teachers. Learn to handle challenges and find ways to overcome them.
Meanwhile, explore the film schools around you. Many offer programs even if you're not college age yet. Connect with others who share your interests, as working together can be a great learning experience for everyone.
Wishing you the best on your journey!